Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders

2018 English 1 Season NR

In 1959, the murder of a family in Kansas shocks a town to its core. Shortly thereafter, author Truman Capote arrives in the town to write the novel “In Cold Blood”, which eventually spawns the modern True Crime genre. In this extraordinary docu-series, acclaimed filmmakers Joe Berlinger, Alison Berg and Kahane Cooperman painstakingly separate fact from sensationalism and “non-fiction.” Mixing re-enactments, rarely-seen archival footage and interviews with friends and family of both the Clutters and their killers, COLD BLOODED is a gripping attempt to restore humanity to victims of a truly horrific act of violence. Think you know everything about this famous case? Prepare to be surprised.

1. Farm Family Slain

The gripping story of a notorious crime that shocked a nation. In November 1959 four members of the Clutter family were brutally murdered in their home in a small Kansas farming community.

43min

2. Killers on the Run

Kansas law enforcement survey the aftermath of this seemingly unmotivated crime, while criminals Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock go on the lamb. New insights and never-before-seen details are revealed.

42min

3. The Intruders on Trial

Taking a fresh in-depth look at the legendary case, part three of COLD BLOODED digs into the resulting investigation and convictions of Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock, along with the ensuing media coverage.

41min

4. The Gallows and the Novel

As Perry Smith and Richard Hickock face a death sentence, part four explores Truman Capote’s coverage of the infamous case and his ensuing novel “In Cold Blood,” which spawned the modern American True Crime genre.